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Poimala J, Cox B, Hauptmann A. Compensating unknown speed of sound in learned fast 3D limited-view photoacoustic tomography. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2024; 37:100597. [PMID: 38425677 PMCID: PMC10901832 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2024.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Real-time applications in three-dimensional photoacoustic tomography from planar sensors rely on fast reconstruction algorithms that assume the speed of sound (SoS) in the tissue is homogeneous. Moreover, the reconstruction quality depends on the correct choice for the constant SoS. In this study, we discuss the possibility of ameliorating the problem of unknown or heterogeneous SoS distributions by using learned reconstruction methods. This can be done by modelling the uncertainties in the training data. In addition, a correction term can be included in the learned reconstruction method. We investigate the influence of both and while a learned correction component can improve reconstruction quality further, we show that a careful choice of uncertainties in the training data is the primary factor to overcome unknown SoS. We support our findings with simulated and in vivo measurements in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Poimala
- Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Ben Cox
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Andreas Hauptmann
- Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, University of Oulu, Finland
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, UK
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2
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Tang Y, Lesniak WG, Gao S, Wu Y, Pomper MG, Zhang HK. Beyond synthetic aperture focusing: deconvolution-based elevation resolution enhancement using simulated point spread function for linear array-based three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:1847-1860. [PMID: 38495705 PMCID: PMC10942676 DOI: 10.1364/boe.517423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This paper introduces a deconvolution-based method to enhance the elevation resolution of a linear array-based three-dimensional (3D) photoacoustic (PA) imaging system. PA imaging combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the deep, multi-centimeter spatial resolution of ultrasound (US) imaging, providing structural and functional information about biological tissues. Linear array-based 3D PA imaging is easily accessible and applicable for ex vivo studies, small animal research, and clinical applications in humans. However, its elevation resolution is limited by the acoustic lens geometry, which establishes a single elevation focus. Previous work used synthetic aperture focusing (SAF) to enhance elevation resolution, but the resolution achievable by SAF is constrained by the size of the elevation focus. Here, we introduce the application of Richardson-Lucy deconvolution, grounded in simulated point-spread-functions, to surpass the elevation resolution attainable with SAF alone. We validated this approach using both simulation and experimental data, demonstrating that the full-width-at-half-maximum of point targets on the elevation plane was reduced compared to using SAF only, suggesting resolution improvement. This method shows promise for improving 3D image quality of existing linear array-based PA imaging systems, offering potential benefits for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan Tang
- Department of Robotics Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Wojciech G. Lesniak
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Shang Gao
- Department of Robotics Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Yixuan Wu
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Martin G. Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Haichong K. Zhang
- Department of Robotics Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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Zhang J, Wu F, Meng F, Zhang G, Wang R, Yang Y, Cui J, He C, Jia L, Zhang W. A High-Resolution 3D Ultrasound Imaging System Oriented towards a Specific Application in Breast Cancer Detection Based on a 1 × 256 Ring Array. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38398937 PMCID: PMC10891686 DOI: 10.3390/mi15020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents the design and development of a high-resolution 3D ultrasound imaging system based on a 1 × 256 piezoelectric ring array, achieving an accuracy of 0.1 mm in both ascending and descending modes. The system achieves an imaging spatial resolution of approximately 0.78 mm. A 256 × 32 cylindrical sensor array and a digital phantom of breast tissue were constructed using the k-Wave toolbox. The signal is acquired layer by layer using 3D acoustic time-domain simulation, resulting in the collection of data from each of the 32 layers. The 1 × 256 ring array moves on a vertical trajectory from the chest wall to the nipple at a constant speed. A data set was collected at intervals of 1.5 mm, resulting in a total of 32 data sets. Surface rendering and volume rendering algorithms were used to reconstruct 3D ultrasound images from the volume data obtained via simulation so that the smallest simulated reconstructed lesion had a diameter of 0.3 mm. The reconstructed three-dimensional image derived from the experimental data exhibits the contour of the breast model along with its internal mass. Reconstructable dimensions can be achieved up to approximately 0.78 mm. The feasibility of applying the system to 3D breast ultrasound imaging has been demonstrated, demonstrating its attributes of resolution, precision, and exceptional efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Fansheng Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Guojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Renxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Yuhua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Jiangong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Changde He
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Licheng Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Wendong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (J.Z.); (F.W.); (F.M.); (G.Z.); (R.W.); (Y.Y.); (J.C.); (C.H.)
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, School of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
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Choi H. Design of Preamplifier for Ultrasound Transducers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:786. [PMID: 38339502 PMCID: PMC10856992 DOI: 10.3390/s24030786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In diagnostic ultrasound imaging applications, preamplifiers are used as first-stage analog front-end amplifiers for ultrasound transducers because they can amplify weak acoustic signals generated directly by ultrasound transducers. For emerging diagnostic ultrasound imaging applications, different types of preamplifiers with specific design parameters and circuit topologies have been developed, depending on the types of the ultrasound transducer. In particular, the design parameters of the preamplifier, such as the gain, bandwidth, input- or output-referred noise components, and power consumption, have a tradeoff relationship. Guidelines on the detailed design concept, design parameters, and specific circuit design techniques of the preamplifier used for ultrasound transducers are outlined in this paper, aiming to help circuit designers and academic researchers optimize the performance of ultrasound transducers used in the diagnostic ultrasound imaging applications for research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojong Choi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
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Gao R, Chen T, Ren Y, Liu L, Chen N, Wong KK, Song L, Ma X, Liu C. Restoring the imaging quality of circular transducer array-based PACT using synthetic aperture focusing technique integrated with 2nd-derivative-based back projection scheme. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 32:100537. [PMID: 37559663 PMCID: PMC10407438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Circular-array-based photoacoustic computed tomography (CA-PACT) is a promising imaging tool owing to its broad acoustic detection coverage and fidelity. However, CA-PACT suffers from poor image quality outside the focal zone along both elevational and lateral dimensions. To address this challenge, we proposed a novel reconstruction strategy by integrating the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) with the 2nd derivative-based back projection (2nd D-BP) algorithm to restore the image quality outside the focal zone along both the elevational and lateral axes. The proposed solution is a two-phase reconstruction scheme. In the first phase, with the assistance of an acoustic lens, we designed a circular array-based SAFT algorithm to restore the resolution and SNR along the elevational axis. The acoustic lens pushes the boundary of the upper limit of the SAFT scheme to achieve enhanced elevational resolution. In the second phase, we proposed a 2nd D-BP scheme to improve the lateral resolution and suppress noises in 3D imaging results. The 2nd D-BP strategy enhances the image quality along the lateral dimension by up-converting the high spatial frequencies of the object's absorption pattern. We validated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy using both phantoms and in vivo human experiments. The experimental results demonstrated superior image quality (7-fold enhancement in elevational resolution, 3-fold enhancement in lateral resolution, and an 11-dB increase in SNR). This strategy provides a new paradigm in the PACT system as it significantly enhances the spatial resolution and imaging contrast in both the elevational and lateral dimensions while maintaining a large focal zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkang Gao
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaguang Ren
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liangjian Liu
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ningbo Chen
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- The University of Hong Kong, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hong Kong China
| | - Kenneth K.Y. Wong
- The University of Hong Kong, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hong Kong China
| | - Liang Song
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaohui Ma
- The first medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Beijing, China
| | - Chengbo Liu
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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